Thanks to advances in fertility preservation, cancer patients and others who wish to preserve fertility for the future now have many options. We can freeze (cryopreserve) embryos, eggs, sperm, and testicular tissue, and also extract sperm. Our specialists offer a new method of freezing immature egg cells (oocytes) that has a significantly higher rate of conception than previous methods. Ovaries are very sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, especially certain forms of chemotherapeutic therapies. Women who are younger than 30 have a higher chance of recuperating their ovarian function after chemo or radiotherapy, as opposed to older women. However, since it is impossible to predict the true risk of premature menopause, it is always recommended to consider fertility preservation prior to beginning chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Likewise, chemotherapy and radiation can harm a man's fertility. We offer sperm cryopreservation, as well as the option of having sperm extracted from the testis during a testicular biopsy. We then freeze the sperm, which can be held until the man is ready for fatherhood. Our staff includes physicians who specialize in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, including one dually trained in treating both men and women. Our nurses and other caregivers, including a social worker, are up-to-date on the newest advances in infertility. In Connecticut, insurance companies are required to cover fertility preservation for female and male patients age 40 and under who have had cancer or other medical conditions. Our staff will help patients work with their insurance company, or for those without insurance, we offer self-pay options.

We offer an array of individualized treatment options for both women and men looking to start a family. Our physicians, staff, and scientists share our patients’ dreams. We have dedicated our life's work to improving their chance for fertility. When our research offers a new treatment option, our patients are the first to benefit. Our practice is specifically built to attend to the technological, emotional, and physical needs of men and women who are experiencing infertility. We use our expertise to both minimize the number of procedures our patients experience and to increase their chance of pregnancy. We help same-gender and transgender couples, as well as individuals with their fertility needs, including fertility preservation methods for those who are not yet ready to start a family but may in the future, or for those about to undergo cancer treatment. One of the few centers in the country with a reproductive specialist with dual training in both male and female infertility, we are also leaders in advanced sperm-retrieval procedures. All of our registered nurses have specialized in-vitro fertilization training through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and we have a dedicated team to guide patients through insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

Through our In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Program, couples receive support, information, and counseling, as well as the most advanced treatment. IVF is the process of combining sperm and egg in a lab to create a viable embryo that can then be transferred to the mother's uterus. Our internationally renowned multidisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and specialized staff have dedicated their lives’ work to improving our patients’ chances of completing their family. We strive to make the IVF experience as positive as possible, and to minimize any confusion or frustration couples may be experiencing. Our specialists are with patients every step of the way to help them navigate fertility issues by thoroughly discussing all procedures and aspects of care. Before starting treatment, all couples take part in an initial consultation and visit with our reproductive endocrinologists. After completing a comprehensive review and deciding to proceed with IVF treatment, we complete prenatal testing on both partners. We then tailor the treatment plan to the individual couple's needs. The next step is to meet with our dedicated team of financial counselors to clarify financial coverage. It is important to note that insurance companies require prior authorization before starting IVF. We also offer a Pre-IVF checklistto help keep track of the necessary steps prior to starting IVF. It is our privilege to participate in our patients’ care and to attend to the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of individuals and couples experiencing infertility. We believe that when any treatment is made simpler for patients, they are empowered to spend more energy on their medical goals—and in this case, one another.